John Nadrowski's photos- powered by SmugMug

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BRIDGEMEN SHOWS Galleries

BRIDGEMEN CABS SHOW 7-12-08 CLIFTON NJ :

BRIDGEMEN CABS SHOW 7-12-08 CLIFTON NJ

BRIDGEMEN CADETS SHOW MUSIC IN MOTION CLIFTON NJ 7-5-08 : AFTER A WET, SOGGY, HOT & STICKY REHEARSAL DOWN AT VETERANS STADIUM, WE WERE OFF TO CLIFTON NEW JERSEY FOR THE CADETS SHOW! CLOUDS AND ON AGAIN OFF AGAIN RAIN FOLLOWED US ALL THE WAY THERE! WE STILL AT THAT POINT IN TIME HAVE NOT PERFORMED OUR FIELD SHOW DUE TO THE RAIN OUT AT OUR HOME SHOW, TOURNAMENT OF STARS IN JUNE, SO WE WERE LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR 2008 FIELD DEBUT AND DOES IT GET ANY BETTER? PLAN B IS A SELL OUT CADETS SHOW! AND WE HAD THE HONOR OF CLOSING SAID SHOW! WHAT A LEAD IN! UPON ARRIVAL THERE IS AN OMEN, THE STADIUM HAPPENS TO BE SOMEWHERE UNDER A RAINBOW AS YOU WILL SEE IN THIS GALLERIES PHOTOS WAITING FOR THE BRIDGEMEN TO COMPLETE THE THEME AS WE PERFORM OUR NEW BALLAD THAT INCLUDES "SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW", ARE YOU SURPRISED? WE'RE NOT! THERE IS NO ESCAPING BRIDGEMEN HYPE! I THINK MOTHER NATURE OWED US ONE ANYWAY FROM HER TOS FINALE! ENJOY THE PHOTOS, IF YOU WERE THERE, THEN IT ADDS TO YOUR MEMORY & IF YOU WEREN'T THEN IS BECOMES YOUR MEMORY! HYPE.............IT'S A BRIDGEMEN THING................JOHN.

BRIDGEMEN CADETS SHOW MUSIC IN MOTION CLIFTON NJ 7-5-08

BRIDGEMEN TOURNAMENT OF STARS 6-14-08 : AFTER A SIX HOUR REHEARSAL IN 90 DEGREE TEMPS AND THE THREAT OF RAIN IN THE FORECAST, THE SHOW BEGAN AT 6PM SHARP! THE CORPS IN ORDER OF THEIR PERFORMANCE WERE:SELDEN CADETS,SAINT RITAS,PARK CITY PRIDE,PRESTON SCOUT HOUSE BAND,BLESSED SAC,HAWTHORNE CABALLEROS ALUMNI,BUSHWACKERS,JERSEY SURF,BRIDGEMEN ALUMNI DRUM & BUGLE CORPS.
INTERMISSION WAS SCHEDULED RIGHT AFTER SAC & THAT IS WHEN MOTHER NATURE TOOK THE CUE AND ROLLED IN SOME THUNDER & LIGHTNING FOLLOWED BY SOME TEMPERATURE COOLING, BLEACHER CLEARING AND VERY UN-WANTED RAIN! DRUM CORPS FANS BEING DRUM CORPS FANS, THEY JUST TOOK REFUGE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE GRANDSTAND WHERE THERE WAS PLENTY OF FOOD, SOUVIES & REST ROOMS! THEY PATIENTLY WAITED FOR MOTHER NATURES SHOW TO END! AFTER ABOUT 40 MINUTES THE RAIN SLOWED DOWN BUT THE LIGHTNING CONTINUED WHICH LED THE BAYONNE POLICE TO MAKE THE DECISION OF CALLING THE 50/50 AS NIGHT WAS FALLING, BEFORE DECLARING THE SHOW A RAIN OUT! THE BRIDGEMEN COMPLIED & AS THE 50/50 WAS OVER, THE RAIN STOPPED, JUST THEN, IN THE DISTANCE, THE WILLIAM TELL OVERTURE OR AS BRIDGEMEN FONDLY REFER TO IT AS "BILLY T" WAS HEARD! EVERYONE STOPPED IN THEIR TRACKS; HEADS SPUN IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SOUNDS & PEOPLE BEGAN SHOUTING "THE BRIDGEMEN ARE COMING, THE BRIDGEMEN ARE COMING!" THEY CERTAINLY WERE COMING & THEY USED "BILLY T" TO TELL EVERYONE TO STAY RIGHT THERE, THE BRIDGEMEN WERE NOT GOING TO DISAPPOINT WHAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE BRIDGEMENS NUMBER ONE CONCERN, THE FANS! THEY QUICKLY GOT INTO AN ENSEMBLE FORMATION AS THE CROWD FORMED IN FRONT OF THEM! THE POLICE UPON SEEING WHAT WAS ABOUT TO OCCUR SAID IT WAS OK TO DO ONLY ONE SONG! ONCE THE CROWD HEARD THAT, THEY CHANTED "DO THE WHOLE SHOW!" THEY OPENED WITH "BIG NOISE FROM WINNETKA" AND AS THE CROWD APPLAUDED AT THE END & THE POLICE WERE NOT OPENING THEIR TICKET BOOKS OR CALLING FOR THE PADDY WAGON, THE BRIDGEMEN QUICKLY BEGAN "MY FAVORITE THINGS" FOLLOWED BY "IN THE STONE" & ENDED WITH "BILLY T!" AS THE APPLAUSE AT THE END OF "BILLY T" MAXED OUT, MOTHER NATURE DECIDED TO CLOSE THE SHOW BY RAINING DOWN A TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR THAT LOOKED LIKE SPAGHETTI FALLING FROM THE SKIES INSTEAD OF RAIN, THAT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN TIMED ANY BETTER! THERE WASN'T A DRY OR DISAPPOINTED FAN TO BE FOUND! WELCOME BACK MY FRIENDS, TO THE SHOW THAT NEVER ENDS AND MAY THE HYPE BE WITH YOU!....................JOHN

BRIDGEMEN TOURNAMENT OF STARS 6-14-08

TOS PERFORMERS 6-14-08 :

TOS PERFORMERS 6-14-08

BRIDGEMEN SERENADE IN BRASS HARRISBURG PA 4-12-08 :

BRIDGEMEN SERENADE IN BRASS HARRISBURG PA 4-12-08

BRIDGEMEN DRUMFEST 3-15-08 :

BRIDGEMEN DRUMFEST 3-15-08

DRUM CLINIC at SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 2-9-08 :

DRUM CLINIC at SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 2-9-08

BRIDGEMEN KINGSTON NY 8-12-07 :

BRIDGEMEN KINGSTON NY 8-12-07

BRIDGEMEN DCA ROCHESTER NY 9/2/07 :

BRIDGEMEN DCA ROCHESTER NY 9/2/07

BRIDGEMEN JerseySurf WILDWOOD SHOW 7-21-07 :

BRIDGEMEN JerseySurf WILDWOOD SHOW 7-21-07

BRIDGEMEN TOS PERFORMERS 6-23-07 : In Exhibition:
Emerald Grenadears All-Girls Corps of Dover, NJ
Sunrisers All-Age Corps of Rockland County, NY
Park City Pride Alumni Corps of Bridgeport, CT
Skyliners Alumni Corps of Garfield, NJ
Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights Alumni Corps of Newark, NJ
Caballeros Alumni Corps of Hawthorne, NJ
Jersey Surf Junior Corps of Berlin, NJ
Caballeros All-Age Corps of Hawthorne, NJ
Buccaneers All-Age Corps of Reading, PA (current DCA Champions)

and your host,
The Bridgemen Alumni Corps of Bayonne, NJ!

BRIDGEMEN TOS PERFORMERS 6-23-07

BRIDGEMEN DCI-EAST ALLENTOWN 7-8-07 : posted by LancerLegend
Friday, 12:37 AM

As many folks know, The Bridgemen open the Sunday portion of DCI East. My words cannot due their performance any justice.

There were some very funny moments and a few very serious moments. The funny parts - a horn player starting early and a sideline referee blowing a whistle and calling for a false start - 5 yards worth - and the entire corps moved backward. Watching a few "senior citizens" performing Santa Clara's Bottle Dance - that was fabulous.

One of the more serious moments was when they played Danny Boy. I was told by a few friends marching in Bayonne, that there was some anxiety over the decision to play it. Several months ago, in a true sign of respect and admiration, Dennis DeLucia called George Bonfiglio, director of the 27th Lancers and DCI's first president. George was most appreciative of their conversation and gave Dennis - and Larry Kerchner - his blessing and appreciation.

I had the honor of bringing George B to Allentown, and we witnessed this performance first hand on the track. It was a very moving tribute. At the conclusion, DM Jim Jordan stood on his podium, pointed directly to George B, and saluted him.

Watching that gesture was very emotional for me. George B and his family gave me the opportunity to march with 27th. And when both corps were active, we loved chasing each other all over this country (and Canada) and competing and making life miserable for each other - it was competion at its finest.

To Jim - my complete and sincere thanks for your respectful salute to George B. I have many fond memories of our rivalry, but that is one memory that bonds us forever.

--------------------

The Maine BD FAN
27th Lancers 73,74,76,77,94 - Staff 80,81,82,83,94

BRIDGEMEN DCI-EAST ALLENTOWN 7-8-07

BRIDGEMEN PRE-DCI EAST ALLENTOWN 7-8-07 :

BRIDGEMEN PRE-DCI EAST ALLENTOWN 7-8-07

BRIDGEMEN AT COUNTRY MEADOWS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 7-8-07 :

BRIDGEMEN AT COUNTRY MEADOWS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 7-8-07

BRIDGEMEN TOS SHOW 6-23-07 :

BRIDGEMEN TOS SHOW 6-23-07

BRIDGEMEN FATHER JOHNS FAREWELL 6-24-07 : EIGHTEEN YEARS AGO, A PRIEST WITH A DARK CREWCUT AND A LOVE OF FIRETRUCKS ARRIVED AS OUR NEW PASTOR. NOW, IN 2007, WITH A CREWCUT JUST A LITTLE LIGHTER AND A GREATER LOVE FOR ALL EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AND HIS PARISHIONERS, FATHER JOHN DOHERTY WILL RETIRE ON JUNE 30th. (from church bulletin)

NOT TO MENTION A LOVE FOR DRUM CORPS, PARTICULARLY THE BRIDGEMEN, SO WE DID WHAT BRIDGEMEN DO, THE UN-EXPECTED! WE GATHERED AT HENRY HARRIS SCHOOL YARD SO THAT HE WOULDN'T HEAR US WARM UP. AFTER A 3 HOUR REHEARSAL THE PREVIOUS FRIDAY, A 7 HOUR REHEARSAL SATURDAY & THEN OF COURSE, FOLLOWED BY OUR SHOW, THE TOURNAMENT OF STARS, THE 10 AM GATHERING ON SUNDAY MORNING SHOWED THAT THERE IS STILL HYPE TO GO AROUND!

AND HEY, WE FIGURED IF WE GOTTA BE UP EARLY, WE MIGHT AS WELL MAKE SURE THE SPONSOR OF THE TOS, BCB BANKS PRESIDENT & CEO & FORMER MARCHING MEMBER DONALD MINDIAK SHOULD BE THERE ALSO, RIGHT! (he came on his own I think)

SO AFTER WARM UPS, WE QUIETLY IN SOMEWHAT ORDER, HEAD TO SAINT ANDREWS CHURCH TO BE THERE WHEN A PARTING FRIEND OPENS THE DOORS AFTER HIS MASS OF APPRECIATION. NOW THERES SOMETHING YOU DON'T SEE EVERY DAY, BRIDGEMEN ON A SUNDAY MORNING IN FULL UNIFORM INVADING BERGEN POINT SIDEWALKS & STREETS. MORE TURNING HEADS FROM THE LOCALS & OF COURSE STOPPING TRAFFIC WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF BAYONNES FINEST.

SO THERE WE STAND IN AN ARC IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH DOORS, COLOR GUARD ON THE LAWN OF THE RECTORY, THE SUN SHINING DOWN WATCHING THOSE DOORS, DID I MENTION THE SUN WAS BURNING, I MEAN SHINING DOWN? ONE THING WAS FOR SURE, WE WEREN'T LATE! WE WAITED & WAITED & WAITED & THEN WE HEAR FROM INSIDE THE CHURCH, SOMEONE SINGING WHAT ELSE? DANNY BOY, FATHERS FAVORITE! THAT WAS JUST BEFORE THE COMMUNION, FOR ALL YOU NON CATHOLICS, MASS IS ABOUT 3/4's OVER.

SO BACK OUT IN THE SUN THERES THE BRIDGEMEN QUIETLY IN FORMATION & AS A FORMER DRUMMER I CAN ATTEST ITS NOT EASY FOR US TO BE QUIET, THEN FINALLY, A FAMILY WITH A CRYING BABY COMES OUT, GREAT! PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO COME OUT, IT WON'T BE LONG NOW, THE DOOR CLOSES & THE WOMEN UPON SEEING SOMETHING THAT WASN'T THERE WHEN SHE ENTERED THE CHURCH, THE BRIDGEMEN, SHE SAYS, "OH MASS IS ALMOST OVER, WE HAD TO LEAVE, I JUST COULDN'T KEEP HIM QUIET." OKAAAAY!

NOW A CROWD IS QUIETLY GATHERING, (see, we ARE a good influence) ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CHURCH STEPS, FLOWING ALONG THE SIDEWALK & GUESS WHAT, NO, NOT ANOTHER CRYING BABY, THE TALL, HEAVY CENTER DOORS SLOWLY SWING OPEN AND THERE IS FATHER, NO, NOT FATHER JOHN & RIGHT BEHIND THERE IS ANOTHER PRIEST NOT FATHER, BUT THEN THERE WAS, ANOTHER PRIEST NOT FATHER JOHN! RIGHT BEHIND HIM WAS FATHER JOHN, SLOWLY WALKING OUT, TURNING SIDE TO SIDE WITH HIS BACK TO US, SHAKING HANDS, HUGGING HIS PARISHONERS & PICKING UP CHILDREN WITH A HUG.

HE FINALLY PUTS THE LAST GIRL DOWN AS HE REACHES THE TOP STEP, PICKS HIS HEAD UP & SEES US! THE LOOK ON HIS FACE WAS WORTH THE WAIT, HOLDING BACK HIS EMOTIONS, OR AT LEAST TRYING TO, A SMILE BREAKS OUT THAT COULD HAVE SUPPORTED A BANANNA IN HIS MOUTH SIDEWAYS CORNER TO CORNER . HE STRETCHED BOTH HIS ARMS OUT SIDEWAYS AS IF TO SYMBOLICKLY HUG THE ENTIRE CORPS & CROWD. HE THEN SEES HIS GOD CHILD, PICKS HER UP AS WE BEGIN TO PLAY “DANNY BOY”, FOLLOWED BY “MY FAVORITE THINGS” FINISHING WITH “THE WILLIAM TELL OVERATURE”
A RESOUNDING THUNDER OF APPLAUSE FROM THE CROWD & OF COURSE FATHER JOHN. AFTER THE FINAL NOTE OF “TELL”, GEORGE & NANCY THEN PRESENT FATHER WITH A PLAQUE & A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE CORPS, TAKEN WHERE IT ALL BEGAN 42 YEARS AGO, THIS PAST MEMORIAL DAY, ON THE STEPS OF SAINT ANDREWS SCHOOL BEFORE THE PARADE ,WITH WHO ELSE, FATHER JOHN!

SOME PARTING PICS WITH OUR DRUM MAJORS JOHN RICHARD & JIM JORDAN & A PERFECT ENDING TO A PERFECT WEEKEND. AS WE LEAVE, THE SAME WAY WE CAME, ONE OF BAYONNES FINEST SAYS TO US, “THANK YOU.”, OBVIOUSLY JUST AS MOVED BY IT ALL AS WE ALL WERE. ONLY IN BAYONNE!

FROM WHAT I HEAR, OUR CONCERT WAS ONE OF THE FEW SECRETS THAT WAS ABLE TO BE KEPT FROM FATHER JOHN & BY THE LOOK ON HIS FACE ITS OBVIOUS THAT’S TRUE.

A FUNNY BACK STORY TO THIS:

MY DAUGHTER JENNIFER, WHO HAS 2 CHILDREN OF HER OWN, IS ALSO TAKING CARE OF HER 9 & 14 YEAR OLD NIECE & 7 YEAR OLD NEPHEW WHILE THEIR MOTHER RECOUPS FROM AN ILLNESS, ALSO ATTENDED THE FESTIVITIES. THEY WERE WAITING AT MY HOUSE WHEN I RETURNED FROM FATHERS FAREWELL.
I SAY TO 7 YEAR OLD TIMMY, “SO, HOW DID YOU LIKE IT?”
TIMMY ANSWERS WITH A BEWILDERED LOOK ON HIS FACE,”AT MY CHURCH WE ONLY CLAP HANDS!”
I GUESS HE THINKS WE DO THAT AFTER EVERY MASS AT SAINT ANDREWS!

HYPE TO ALL FRIENDS & FANS WITH A SPECIAL “MAY THE HYPE FOREVER BE WITH YOU FATHER JOHN”

BY JOHN NADROWSKI

BRIDGEMEN FATHER JOHNS FAREWELL 6-24-07

BRIDGEMEN SHOW/REHEARSAL READING,PA 5-12-07 PHOTOS by JOHN & KATIE NADROWSKI : YOU GUYS WERE AWESOME LAST NIGHT, DANNY BOY SOUNDED THE BEST IT EVER HAS, AND YOU ALL ACTUALLY "GROOVED" WITH STONE..... GREAT JOB, HERE IS THE FIRST REVIEW I FOUND ON DCP....John Matos

Bridgemen, I think they're going to have to replace some of the mortar on the back wall of the auditorium. A more comfortable performance than Harrisburg, I thought. A little looser, more fun. What can I say? Ya gotta catch these guys this year! You'll enjoy it. "Danny Boy", ala 2-7, was very well done.

BAYONNE MAY WANT TO REINFORCE THE STADIUM BEFORE JUNE 23.....

BRIDGEMEN SHOW/REHEARSAL READING,PA 5-12-07 PHOTOS by JOHN & KATIE NADROWSKI

BRIDGEMEN TOS SHOW 2006

BRIDGEMEN-EMANON CG SHOW 3-31-07

BRIDGEMEN TOS GUESTS 2006 :

BRIDGEMEN TOS GUESTS 2006

BRIDGEMEN WILDWOOD SHOW 2006 : What A Night!!
July 15, 2006

Ahhh Wildwood: visions of the boardwalk, buffets, babes, beefcake and of course The Bridgemen. It's been 34 years (June 1972) since we left a permanent mark on the city by the sea. 1972 was our first State Championship, but certainly not our last. In those days, that was a big thing. There was Blue Rock, Sac, Garfield, Muchachos, Saints, Bon Bons and many other corps that always seemed to get in our way, but not in June of '72. Now, we're ready to make another statement, if we can get the sand and salt air off our minds.

It was quite evident that the Margaritaville atmosphere permeated most of our noggins as we began our Saturday practice. Our astute leader spotted this lethargy immediately and brought us down to earth with a rousing, Get your heads on straight! pep talk. He pushed the right buttons at the right time. We were now focused on the task at hand and proceeded to practice with the intensity that has become synonomous with the 2006 version of the legendary corps from Bayonne. The weather held up and we were blessed with cloud cover which made our 4+ hour rehearsal very bearable and successful. We're ready for the show.

As we gather and start to don our eye-catching coats around 9:00 PM, the Jersey Surf is getting ready to perform. The Surf passes our ranks and immediately the B'men populus begins to applaud and encourage our young friends from South Jersey. The intensity on their faces was apparent, but you could see by their eyes they are touched by the rousing welcome and support from their old pals from Bayonne. They were ready and we'll be next. Are we ready?

We approach the field after a crowd-pleasing Surf performance and we're greeted by some very flattering words from the contest MC. Words are nice, but the proof is in the performance. The look is there, the Bridgemen are ready to perform. We take the field and our 3rd performance of the year brought the crowd to their feet and smiles on their faces. This is what an entertaining Drum Corps does: they give you goose bumps and make you happy. Mission accomplished? Hold your horses, not quite. Let's get the Surf out here and collaborate on a blow your doors off version of Battle Hymn. As the young talented Drum Majors of the Surf take over, they expertly lead 120+ horns through a incredible, once in a lifetime runthrough of Battle Hymn Of The Republic. AWESOME!

WHAT A NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT A YEAR !!!!!!!!!!! WHAT A CORPS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next: August 5, 2006, Allentown, Pennsylvania. Another town very familiar with the Bridgemen magic. Are we up to the task? I'll tell you what, Don't bet against us!

- John Richard, Drum Major

Wildwood Weekend Was A Lovefest With the Audience!!
July 15, 2006

We were invited to participate in the Jersey Surf home show on their turf. After the respect they showed us at Bridgemen's Tournament of Stars show, we were eager to show their home crowd a good time! The Jersey Surf performed just before us in our home show (June 10, 2006) and then parked themselves in formation and uniforms (to the side) while we performed. The comraderie they displayed to us that night endeared them to many of us. It doesn't hurt that a few of our members (Kristin and Beth) have kids in one of the last strong junior corps in New Jersey.

Many Bridgemen members congregated at the Apollo hotel in Wildwood Friday night, July 14th, ready for an active weekend of partying, rehearsal, a rippin' performance ... and a little more partying.

Trap set player Sean's stories of wild behavior and funny goings on could not be substantiated. Ummm, I don't know nuttin' about that, said a few veterans.

Nonetheless, we gathered at our practice field on Saturday and were hyped up by Executive Director George Lavelle to push this show forward and realize our potential as Bridgemen performers. We had already given strong performances in Bayonne, NJ and Bridgeport, CT. It was time to turn things up a notch and take this to the next level!

We used our practice time wisely and made progress in playing our instruments well or performing with guard equipment well, then putting that together with drill. It's amazing the level of talented performers who have joined in on Banana Power!

After Executive Director George Lavelle motivated us to try harder, it was soon evident that things were coming together. We moved beyond concentrating on our drill spots, music, and tempo. We began performing more emotionally, musically, and expressively. Each time we yelled HYPE! in rehearsal, it was with greater intensity, symbolizing our devotion to yellow & black.

We were blessed with a nice field to practice on (about 150 feet from the show site) and good weather that day. The forecast called for temperatures in the 90s and an unforgiving sun. Instead, with cloud cover, we were able to make progress without getting beat down by the weather.

Fans and curious onlookers stayed to watch our rehearsals, mostly on the other side of the chain link fence. Their enthusiastic smiles and applause gave us a taste of what was to come. Rehearsal came and went quickly; almost too quickly. Then it was time to cool down and prepare for the next leg of the journey: our performance at night.

After our dinner break and an opportune shower, we assembled back by the equipment truck to retrieve our familar zoot suits, a hallmark image of the corps since 1976. We grabbed our coats (either yellow or black) and made our way over to sectional warmups. We worked ourselves up as we neared closer to showtime. After the prolonged wait, we were asked to make our way back to the equipment truck. Then waited some more! Well, it gave us an opportunity to applaud the Jersey Surf as they marched past; they've dedicated their summer to perform in the junior corps activity. God bless them!

Soon we were geared up again and made our way into the stadium to watch the closing moments of Jersey Surf's show from behind. Their beautiful melodies and lush chords demonstrated why they're an up-and-coming corps. Their confidence and enthusiasm added to the warm atmosphere as we waited with our fellow Bridgemen in line.

Though the stands were small, the crowd was lively. One hornline member commented, I like it better this way. It's a small, intimate setting. It'll let us show them impact like they've never heard!

Finally we were given the go ahead to make our way onto the field and we claimed it as our own. We came onto the field via the back gate, from the opposite side this time (Side 1), and made our way over to center field, strutting along doing our knock. We set up our opening formation and awaited the opening command to begin.

As we stood on the starting line, the crowd let us know how well they remembered us and couldn't WAIT to see what we had in store for them. They yelled Glad to have you back Bridgemen! and We've waited years for your return! and more things to set the festive mood. Well, that kind of appreciation doesn't go unnoticed by The Bridgemen and we were suddenly MORE fired up to entertain!

Drum Majors Jim Jordan and John Richard soon got the show underway with the opening drum phrase that led to a wall of sound from our immense hornline! The small crowd of spectators voiced their immediate awe and began a lovefest with us that made for a great night. We gave the Wildwood audience a show they'll never forget! The dramatic strains of Pagliacci soon melted away into the uplifting and lively Land of Make Believe. The crowd's response at song's end was outrageous!

My Favorite Things allowed us to travel down a different road musically as we let the night air fill with the dramatic yet jazzy mood that this chart delivers. Melodies passed back and forth between the various voices and built to a pulsing drive at the end that had us all revved up, performer and spectator alike. We changed moods again with Summer of '42, a piece about romance and loss. It allows us to demonstrate that this Alumni Corps can play lush passages and demonstrate our range of dynamics and musicality. The comedic talent of our drum majors livened up Bananas as we gave the crowd a good chuckle and showed our mischievous side.

Of course it was In The Stone they most likely left the stadium whistling. Who couldn't love this song, this celebration of life? It may be the funky chart that's most associated with our glory days. We left no one disappointed as we performed the classic that had some in the crowd clapping along with us.

The next thing we knew, we were in the opening notes of our St. Andrew's anthem, The William Tell Overture, then building it to an intense volume level that had the crowd screaming. We left no doubt in the crowd's minds that we're the consumate entertainers!

After we finished our show, the show's commentator deadpanned, Well now that the ocean has been pushed back 50 feet, we'd like to thank The Bridgemen for joining us this evening! The Jersey Surf's hornline came out and joined our ranks for an emotional and LOUD performance of Battle Hymn of the Republic, a song important to the new era of the Bridgemen. A song we played in the Memorial Day Parade of 2005, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Bridgemen.

It was a memorable end to our antics on the field and set the mood for the celebration to come afterwards. We laughed and enjoyed each other's company late into the night, thankful that we're a part of something special. Only two shows left to go this season!

A Message From a Member of the Jersey Surf!!
July 15, 2006

Hey Folks,

I received this email below from Bob Jacobs. It was sent to him by one of his corps members. I thought everyone involved should see this and what effect we caused and enjoyment we created for the kids at Surf.

I am very proud of this drum corps because when Surf went by us and you all cheered, it made me realize, you all get what this is about. And what you showed me by doing that, not once but again when they went by us to perform, was what A CLASSY DRUM CORPS we have here!!!!!! This is what drum corps is supposed to be about and that we are not above anybody and we treat everybody with the proper respect they deserve!!!!

This is really a big thing we did here Saturday!!! And hopefully as we go forward, we are able to do it again and again with our little brothers & sisters from the Surf!!!!!!

Thanks for showing your class and to having another great weekend being Bridgemen!!!

Hype!!!
- George

I didn't know much about the Bridgemen until our first show together in Bayonne. The staff gave us an abbreviated background but made sure to get across to us that this corps meant a lot to a lot of people. After that camp, a few of us from Maryland got a better understanding of the New Jersey tradition in the Winslow parking lot with Gabe. Being a nostalgic person myself, it was not suprising that my heart strings were immediately plucked by the story of the Bridgemen and the legacy they left behind.

When we got to see them that night at the Bayonne show, I was blown away by not only the volume produced by this group of yellow-clad people, but the unabashed love and passion for their craft. It became crystal clear to me that night that this was an organization that left a gaping hole in the drum corps universe the day it had to walk away.

So when I heard we were doing an encore with them at our home show, I was a little more than excited. At rehearsal, all the guys and gals patted our backs and welcomed us into their ranks. They asked where we were from, how long we had marched, how we liked the heat and so on. We started to play and I couldn't even hear myself think ... which for once, was a good thing.

That night at the show, we marched past them only to be cheered on with a chorus of Good luck! and YEAH Surf! I thought to myself, Can these guys come to every show? As we watched from the sidelines, they put on their outrageous show of gags and unbelievable power and it was hard to believe we'd soon be standing next to them. The time came and we ran out on the field and found the faces we had become familiar with at rehearsal. We played Battle Hymn and melted the faces of every one in the audience, but the whole time, all I could think of was how important this was to every one standing around me and sitting in the make-shift stands. I thought about all the things that were so important to me, all the things that have deep-rooted meaning for Marylanders or Baltimoreans. It was indescribable to be a part of something that meant so much to so many people and to have a sense of what they have been feeling for decades.

I wanted to hug them all and shake their hands after the show and tell them how much it meant for me as an outsider to be a part of their greatness for a night. I know a lot of us Surf kids felt the same way.

Hopefully some day I'll hear some one say Hey, remember in '06 when the Jersey Surf performed with the Bayonne Bridgemen? and I'll say ... Yeah, I think that rings a bell.

- Amy W.

BRIDGEMEN WILDWOOD SHOW 2006

E-MAIL JOHN

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